Norwood Secondary College

Established in 1958, Norwood Secondary College celebrates over 60 years of providing our community with an outstanding and broad range of educational experiences. Located in a beautiful setting overlooking the Mullum Mullum Creek Valley, Norwood Secondary College is a school of choice for students from Mitcham to Mooroolbark and Ringwood to Park Orchards.

Our bonds with the community are a significant feature with our school and the contributions of parents and friends are valued and encouraged across all aspects of our learning community.

Norwood Secondary College is committed to providing our students with an environment that is both inspiring and nurturing. The College has a proud tradition of ensuring our students are provided with an excellent educational experience and opportunities to grow intellectually, socially and ethically. It is our belief that our students will benefit from exposure to a broad range of learning experiences, in and out of the classroom, and our programs are developed with this as a core goal.

Our students leave the College equipped with the skills and self-belief to continue to learn as their lives progress. They also understand the importance of seeking to be the best they can be in all their endeavours.

Our Values

Respect

All members of our community are expected to respect the College, others and themselves

Aspiration

Students are encouraged to be the best they can be, in all endeavours

Responsibility

All members of our community are expected to take responsibility for their actions

Resilience

The College will provide experiences and support to assist our community members develop both a strong sense of worth and the capacity to overcome negative experiences or disappointments

Staff interactions with students are guided by these principles and we seek to develop all our students’ understanding of these values, as expressed both at school and in their daily lives. To support personal development,

a staff – student Mentoring Program operates from Years 7 to 12.

With the aim of developing successful learners, confident and creative individuals and active and informed citizens, a comprehensive 7 to 10 curriculum is offered covering all Learning Areas. The College also offers a select entry Enrichment Program (EP) from Year 7 to 10 and a core and elective program within the Year 9 and 10 Curriculum. Year 9 students enjoy a range of off-campus activities including a City Experience and our most capable students are invited to participate in a program at Deakin University in which students are involved in independent research – Deakin’s ‘Inspired Minds’ Program. Year 10 students can undertake a VCE or VET course and VCAL programs are available to students in Years 11 and 12. The College runs a Homework Club after school, two days a week. Staff from various Learning Areas attend Homework Club and students are encouraged to attend to both seek extra assistance or to complete work in an environment that is conducive to effective study.

Extra-curricular and enrichment programs are offered to engage students in areas such as leadership, peer support, debating, annual school productions and an excellent music program. A broad range of sports is offered and students are encouraged to participate in inter-school competitions. The College has a very strong history in girls’ and boys’ interschool sport, with many state titles having been won over past years.

Student leadership is encouraged through a significant range of opportunities including College Captains and Prefects (each with specific portfolios), Year Level Leaders, Student Representative Council, House Leaders (leading a program of events that involves both sport and the performing arts), interschool sports and a peer support program.

Student wellbeing is given a strong emphasis at Norwood, with formal structures including Heads of Year Level and Year Level Coordinators, Junior and Senior School Principals overseeing our two sub-schools, Careers Counsellor, a Student Wellbeing Team and a first aid officer. Every student is supported by a Mentor teacher who takes an interest in their wellbeing and assists them in setting learning goals. Student contributions and achievements are valued and acknowledged, as is parent involvement.